Soul Asylum at The Bronson Centre in Ottawa ·

Soul Asylum at The Bronson Centre Music Theatre in Ottawa. Photo by Laura Collins @thelauracollins

Soul Asylum’s “Slowly but Shirley” North American tour came to a close with a blistering performance at Ottawa’s Bronson Centre, a venue that was a perfect fit for the band’s high-energy, yet intimate sound. The night marked the end of a one month run, and the band wasted no time diving into a setlist packed with crowd favourites and a sprinkling of newer material, proving that Soul Asylum is still as vital and dynamic as ever.

Founded in 1981 in Minneapolis, Soul Asylum had already become a force in the alternative rock scene by the time they achieved mainstream success with ‘Grave Dancers Union’, which featured their biggest hit, ‘Runaway Train’. Though they’ve seen lineup changes and weathered both personal and professional challenges, their place in the pantheon of American alt-rock is secure. Their performance in Ottawa was a testament to their longevity, musical prowess, and the undying connection they share with their fans.

The show opened with a pair of early hits, ‘Somebody to Shove’ and ‘Misery’, which set the tone for the evening. The audience, clearly consisting mainly of long-time fans, instantly responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause. Both songs, originally from the band’s breakthrough album ‘Grave Dancers Union’ (1992) and the follow up ‘Let Your Dim Light Shine’ (1995), were delivered with urgency and passion, showcasing the enduring chemistry between lead singer Dave Pirner and his bandmates. The energy was palpable, and the band locked into a groove that would carry them through the night.

Though Pirner is often known for his deadpan stage presence, his quiet demeanor onstage tonight felt more like a statement of focus than indifference. There were few words exchanged between songs—just enough to acknowledge the audience’s energy, but never any drawn-out banter. After a particularly enthusiastic response to ‘Runaway Train’, Pirner quipped, “So you’ve heard that one before?” The crowd, of course, erupted in laughter and cheers, their voices rising in unison as they sang the iconic track under the shimmering lights of a rotating disco ball.

While the classics got the loudest reactions, the band also introduced some fresh material from their most recent album ‘Slowly But Shirley’, including ‘Sucker Maker’ and ‘Freak Accident’. These newer songs fit seamlessly into the set, and it was clear that the band had crafted them with the same care and craftsmanship that marked their earlier hits. The inclusion of newer tracks showcased Soul Asylum’s ability to evolve while maintaining the distinctive sound that helped them rise to prominence in the early ’90s.

Guitarist Ryan Smith brought a palpable energy to the stage, his bouncy energy and vibrant playing adding an extra layer of dynamism to the performance. Smith, who joined the band in 2016, has become an integral part of Soul Asylum’s sound, and tonight was no exception. His guitar work was tight and expressive, whether he was delivering the soaring riffs in ‘Misery’ or adding depth to the newer tracks like ‘Freak Accident’. His interactions with the crowd were lively, and his enthusiasm often served to push the rest of the band to greater heights, especially during the faster, more frenetic numbers.

Bassist Jeremy Tappero and drummer Jerry Pentecost were a dynamic force onstage, playing a crucial role in keeping the band’s sound tight and energetic. Tappero, who joined the band in 2020, brought a deep groove to the rhythm section, his bass lines locking in perfectly with the rest of the band.

Meanwhile, Pentecost’s drumming was a standout feature of the performance. A seasoned percussionist with a background in everything from country and Americana to rock, Pentecost’s approach to drumming was precise yet expressive. He brought a lively energy to the stage, driving the band through their faster, more high-intensity moments, while also providing a delicate touch on the more introspective songs. His ability to shift from thunderous fills to delicate beats with ease added a layer of depth to the band’s sound.

Together, this lineup proved that Soul Asylum is still firing on all cylinders, with each member contributing to the band’s ability to deliver an unforgettable live experience. The energy and chemistry between the band members spoke volumes, and their performance was nothing short of electric.

As the night wound down, the band played a powerful rendition of April Fool, from their 1992 album Grave Dancers Union, before taking a final bow. Pirner gave a subtle nod to the crowd, and the rest of the band followed suit, thanking the audience for their years of support. The night ended on a high note, audience clearly content with the performance and the band’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience. On the rainy Monday night at The Bronson Centre Music Theatre, Soul Asylum’s performance spoke volumes—both in sound and spirit.

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